Recap

Redcar Town 1-2 Redcar Athletic

Town: Robbie Keenan (55’)

Steelmen: Craig Gott (25’), Mark Anderson (35’)

Redcar Athletic returned to the grass in dramatic fashion, seeing off near-neighbours Redcar Town on a junior pitch, and with just the ten-men to show for it.

Without shot-stopper Josh Mazfari for 70 minutes, first half strikes from Craig Gott and Mark Anderson made for a positive start to the season, Robbie Keenan’s neat finish a mere consolation come the 90.

In true pre-season fashion, an unfinished pitch forced the latest instalment of El Pacitto onto the junior fields behind Mo Mowlam Memorial Park, the reduced playing area key in the early dismissal of Josh Mazfari.

The new shot-stopper received his marching orders for handling outside of the area, a trialist taking his place between the sticks for what remained of the derby.

Such disadvantages had no bearing on the Steelmen’s quality, fellow new man Craig Gott soon on hand to open his account in red and navy from a dead ball.

Moments later, Mark Anderson added a second in neat fashion, offering the security the ten-man Steelmen needed amidst a Town resurgence.

Ten minutes from the restart, Robbie Keenan gave the Blues that shred of hope they so desperately needed, but ultimately saw his strike succumb to being just a late consolation.

Next Match: Billingham Town (a) | Thursday 11th July 2024